Protector (Summoning, Ice Ages) interview

In the history of metal, Summoning represents one of the more potent variants of ambient metal and an encouraging aesthetic for anyone tired of modern time. Protector, one half of the dynamic duo that Summoning became, went on to participate in several other projects focusing on a classic theme of black metal: an ambient consciousness from which a sense of beauty and thus meaning in life emerges. He gave us his thoughts on life, art and the power of music.

Quote

I think metal music is maybe just a bit burned out because music with hard guitars already entered already the mainstream the years before. Apart from very conservative people a super hard guitar chord is no considered as noise as in the past. I remember clearly 15 years ago when I was walking with long hair and a dark metal shirt through the streets I often was considered as a mentally ill decadent maniac by old conservatives; now metal with harsh guitars has become far more socially acceptable.

I don't agree with him on everything but I definitely agree that true art transcends the mundane. Assigning concrete ideas or meanings to art just trivializes it. Also I agree with him on the superiority of the ambient that makes use of melody and rythmn opposed to just noise.

Thanks for this excellent interview as it is without a doubt one of the best I have come across.

His thoughts regarding the writing process for electronic vs "handmade" music in particular sparked some truth as well as the general notion of making music for its own splendor (like a child who makes "intricate sandcastles on the beach just for fun" as one Celtic Frost review on this site eloquently puts it).

He seems to be against communication through music, but then uses heavy imagery in his music. He also hints at the idea that a communication of experience is possible, while a communication of discrete thought (x = y, good/evil) is not.